We would like to invite you TO READ this section carefully.
Perhaps the less interesting part to the itinerary but it covers IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE, HEALTH and SAFETY topics which should be taken into consideration in order not to spoil the enjoyment of your safari holiday.
Do also note that KAAPSTAD ORG TOURS AND SAFARIS can take no responsibility with regard to the consequences of failing to adhere to any of the advise provided below.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
One requires a valid passport to visit any of the countries in Africa we operate in. As a general rule, your passport should still be valid for a period of 6 months after your anticipated return date.
Do also note that a number of countries such as Botswana and Namibia, require parents travelling with minor children - aged <18 - to be in possession of birth certificates as a proof of parenthood.
For children not travelling with their own parents, please note it is required to have an officially certified authorization letter by the natural parents for the children to travel.
We do invite each traveller to ensure that you have proper documentation at hand to travel to the selected destinations. Failing to have this, you might even be denied boarding the initial flight.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
All the African countries we operate in, require a tourism visa. Which, for citizens of many countries, can be obtained upon arrival in the country of destination. We recommend to check with the Embassy of the destination country for up-to-date information on their tourist visa requirements.
Tourism visa could be free-of-charge depending on your nationality - like in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa - and issued at the border on arrival. Others - including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe - are payable and fees vary from USD 30.00 per person to over USD 100.00 depending on the duration of your stay and your nationality.
A number of countries such as the Kenya-Rwanda-Uganda trio as well as Zambia-Zimbabwe duo have partnered up and offer the option of a cross border tourism visa - respectively called East Africa Tourism Visa and KAZA UniVisa - allowing the holder to travel for tourism within the borders of the countries part of the visa agreement for a limited duration up to 1 month.
Many destination countries are moving towards offering online applications for tourism visa which we would highly recommend.
MALARIA
Malaria is endemic to most countries in which we operate. This would include Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Only Namibia and South Africa offer travel options in areas not affected by malaria but this applies to some parts of the countries only. Malaria is endemic in Northern Namibia from the Kunene region all the way to the Caprivi. In South Africa, most of the 3 Eastern Provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo have malaria.
A malaria prophylactic is required when visiting any of the regions or countries where the sickness is present. Please consult your family physician for the right medication.
VACCINATION COMPULSORY
Yellow fever vaccination is required in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. It might as well be required in other countries when travelling from a country where yellow fever is present. Make sure you have your yellow fever vaccination certificate at hand.
VACCINATION RECOMMENDED
Depending on your type of travel, certain vaccinations might be strongly advised. In general we would advise to be vaccinated against tetanus.
Should you rough it up, stay in budget accommodation in remote Africa or camp in wildlife areas, it might also be advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A & B, rabies, meningitis, typhoid fever. We do recommend you consult a travel clinic or your physician in this regard.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
At Inspiration Africa, we require all clients to have valid travel assistance insurance cover for the duration of your safari holiday. Please do provide us with a copy of your insurance policy or simply share the details of the policy number and the emergency contact numbers to use should any situation require it.
Should you not be insured, please do let us know and we will gladly subscribe a temporary travel assistance insurance policy to offer you the right cover during the duration of your journey.
Additionally, it is highly recommended to subscribe to a travel cancellation insurance to cover you against any such risks that may occur due to external circumstances beyond our control such as airline delays, flight cancellations, missed flight connections, severe bad weather, etc.
Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Pula (BWP)
Symbol: P
ISO code: BWP
Central bank: Bank of Botswana
Subunit: Thebe
Banknotes: P100, P50, P20, P10
Coins: P5, P2, P1; T50, T25, T10, T5
Banking:
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Generally, no
Visa: Yes
American Express: Generally, no
Diner’s club: Generally, no
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08h00 or 09h00 – 16h15 or 17h15
Weekends: 08h00 or 09h00 – 10h45 or 12h00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Airports in major cities
Main airlines: Mack Air and Kalahari Air
International Airports: In major cities
Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes, if your national licence is not in English. If your national licence is in English, you may use it for up to 6 months.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No, but similar services
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: No
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, overnight train from Francistown to Gaborone to Lobatse.
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes within major cities
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes within major cities
Ice: Yes within major cities
Meat: Yes within major cities
Street food: Yes within major cities
Local cuisine: Food centres around meat such as goat, beef, chicken and fresh water fish, and a maize meal known locally as “pap”. Adventurous culinary enthusiasts may want to try the traditional speciality of Mopane Worms, while those with a sweet tooth should make sure to sample the local Kalahari Truffles (made as a dessert) and unusual fruit called Marula. It is believed that watermelon originated here.
Drinks: Bojalwaja Setswana (the beer of Botswana) - created using fermented sorghum seeds.
Tipping: 10%, usually added to the bill at restaurants. It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 475 mm
Average temperature: 27°C
Summer:
Average in highs: 31°C
Average in lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 23°C
Average in lows: 22°C
Best time to visit: It’s best to visit Botswana between April and September – the dry winter months. At this time, animals usually stay close to their water sources, increasing your chances of seeing them.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes in cities
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes in cities
Cafes: Yes in cities
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes in cities
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: D/G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
